Thirty eight eyes of 19 patients (11 women, 8 men) were included in a prospective, nonrandomized clinical study. Mean patient age was 22 years (range, 18-26 years). Inclusion criteria were low stage bilateral progressive keratoconus, transparent cornea and thinnest corneal thickness ≥ 440 µm. Using the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer central corneal sensitivity was measured preoperatively, after 7 days, and once a month after surgery until recovery of the baseline preoperative level. Normal levels of central corneal sensitivity were considered above 40mm.